Antique 18th c. French Snuff Box, Navette of Tortoise Shell, 18k Gold, Agate, Sardonyx Stone
Late 1700s to earliest 1800s Snuff box, a 4 1/8" long navette trimmed out in 18k gold around the stone cartouche, and a very fine framework, hinge and clasp. Inlaid pique and strings of silver adorn the lid. The stone setting is slightly convex and highly polished. I think I am right that it is sardonyx, but if you recognize the stone, please let me know. In one of our photos it appears to have a crack, but whatever that was that caught light, it is not cracked and is undamaged. A beautiful old thing, chocolate tortoise shell. Full measurements noted on the photos. Very good to excellent condition for age and type, one from my own longtime collections. Surprising good condition throughout, appearance of perhaps a little repair at the hinge, but it fits perfectly, is solid and complete. No bug bites, no chips or cracks in the shell. IMPORTANT NOTE regarding antique tortoise shell or ivory: We are great supporters of protection for endangered species in our modern world. We never buy or